✿ Benefits of Plantains

A plantain is a type of banana that has less sugar than the common yellow banana and is native to Latin America, Africa and India, but is now grown all over the world in warm climates. It's green and isn't eaten raw but cooked similarly to vegetables. Plantains have been used for centuries in Persia and India as a cure-all and the secret to eternal youth, according to HealthGuidance.org. Plantains are still used today for an array of health benefits.

Internal Benefits

Plantains have a number of internal health benefits. Plantains, like bananas, are a quick source of energy, according to HealthGuidance.org. Plantains can ease symptoms of a variety of ailments, including arthritis, gout, anemia, allergies, kidney stones, tuberculosis and urinary disorders. They promote digestion. And because plantains enhance calcium, phosphorus and nitrogen retention, they can assist the regeneration of healthy tissue.

External Benefits

Plantains are used in a variety of skin treatments. They are a commonly used as an anti-wrinkle treatment, according to HealthGuidance.org. Mash a quarter of a plantain and spread it on the face for 15 to 20 minutes daily. To treat skin allergies, mix a plantain with a cup of milk and drink it two to three times daily. Plantain peels can be used to treat warts; press the inside of the peel against the wart and tape it in place. When the peel turns black, remove it and repeat until the wart is gone. To treat poison ivy, apply the inside of a peel to the rash.

Mental Health Benefits

According to HealthGuidance.org, plantains are a mood enhancer because they contain the amino acid tryptophan. They can also help people who suffer from seasonal affective disorder.

Due to their considerable amounts of vitamins C, B6, B12 and A1, eating bananas and plantains can also help smokers kick the habit. The magnesium and potassium contained in plantains which can help the body and mind deal with the symptoms of withdrawal from a habit-forming substance.

Plantains contain tryptophan, a chemical found in certain foods that acts as a naturally-occurring mood enhancer. HealthGuidance.org suggests that eating plantains and bananas can help people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Due to their considerable amounts of vitamins C, B6, B12 and A1, eating bananas and plantains can also help smokers kick the habit.

Nutritional Value of Plantain

Amount of Plantain: 1 cup

Total Weight of Plantain: 200 g

Nutrients

Amount

Basic Components

Protein

1.6 g

Water

135 g

Ash

1.2 g

Calories

Total Calories

232

Calories From Carbohydrate

224

Calories From Fat

3.0

Calories From Protein

5.3

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrate

62.3 g

Dietary Fiber

4.6 g

Sugars

28.0 g

Fats & Fatty Acids

Total Fat

0.4 g

Saturated Fat

0.1 g

Polyunsaturated Fat

0.1 g

Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids

24.0 mg

Total Omega-6 Fatty Acids

42.0 mg

Vitamins

Vitamin A

1818 I.U.

Vitamin C

21.8 mg

Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol)

0.3 mg

Vitamin K

1.4 mcg

Niacin

1.5 mg

Vitamin B6

0.5 mg

Folate

52.0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid

0.5 mg

Choline

25.4 mg

Minerals

Calcium

4.0 mg

Iron

1.2 mg

Magnesium

64.0 mg

Phosphorus

56.0 mg

Potassium

930 mg

Zinc

0.3 mg

Copper

0.1 mg

Selenium

2.8 mcg

Nutrition & Health Benefits of Eating Plantain

Plantain has gained an unparalleled status in the world of natural cure and is considered to be the number one cure for blood and limb poisoning. It reduces venom caused inflammation and effectively dries excess moisture.

A well-acclaimed diuretic, plantain is found to be extremely effective against kidney and bladder problems. Plantain tea is known to soothe the bladder and is usually recommended against bed-wetting, dropsy and water retention.

As a styptic, plantain can be either chomped or grounded into a paste to stop bleeding. Known to have an extremely soothing effect, plantain tea can be consumed to soothe mucous membranes and ulcers. It is also effective against heavy menstrual cycles.

Plantain is also used as a vulnerary to treat cuts and wounds. Due to easy accessibility of this wonderful fruit, it can be easily bought and crushed and applied to cuts and wounds for quick relief. Also, since plantain has a high epidermal growth, it can be used to fix damaged tissues, treat bruises and broken bones.

Plantain is touted as a wonderful blood cleanser. It is also an effective cure against venomous snake bites and scorpion stings. Plantain is also an excellent cure for treating bug bites, eczema and other skin irritations. It also helps to reduce the pain of poison ivy.

Plantain, much like its yellow ripe counterpart, is extremely good for skin. Plantain juice can be effectively used to treat sunburn, ulcers, scalds and burns. It is treated as an effective substitute for aloe vera.

Plantain has been used for long to treat diseases like tuberculosis and syphilis, both internally and externally. It is very effective for treating liver sluggishness and inflammation of the digestive tract too. Plantain is also used for scrofula, mercurial poisoning and other specific or non-specific glandular diseases.

Chewing plantain root can offer immediate relief from toothache. Its decoction can be used on ringworm too. What is more, this miraculous herb is believed to help with loss of voice too.

Plantain is known to soothe cough reflex and is used to treat asthma, lung infections, and hay fever and any other respiratory disorder that involves mucous congestion. It is known to provide relief from hoarseness and bronchial infections too. It is also used for respiratory problems that involve mucous congestion

Plantain tea is known to be excellent cure for gastritis, diarrhea, dysentery, irritable bowel syndrome and other intestinal problems. It is also good for the eyes and is known to sooth eye irritation.

Potassium

A 1-cup serving of cooked plantain slices supplies 716 milligrams of the 4,700 milligrams of potassium you need each day. Potassium is an essential mineral that regulates your heart beat and enables your muscles to function normally. The mineral plays a role in your digestive health and helps support a strong skeleton as well.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is involved in numerous bodily functions including reproduction, immunity and communication between the cells. One of the most important jobs of vitamin A is to support your eyesight and help prevent certain eye disorders. Men need 3,000 international units of vitamin A each day and women require 2,333. A 1-cup serving of cooked plantain slices supplies 1,400 international units toward these goals.

Additional Nutrients

A 1-cup serving of cooked plantain slices supplies 16.8 milligrams of vitamin C, which is about 20 percent of your daily requirement. A serving of plantains provides 1.16 milligrams of niacin. You need between 14 and 16 milligrams of niacin each day to support the health of your nerves, skin and digestive system. The same serving of plantains contains small amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium, folate and vitamin K.

Tips

Replace potatoes with plantains in your favorite vegetable soup and stew recipes. Saute plantain slices as a healthy side dish that pairs well with barbecued meat or spicy tamales. Add cooked plantain slices to bean salads as another way to incorporate them into your diet. Arrange raw plantain slices on a baking sheet and brush them with canola oil. Sprinkle the slices with garlic powder and black pepper and roast them until they are crisp. The plantain chips are a nutritious alternative to potato chips. Serve the chips with fresh tomato salsa or black bean dip. Saute plantains until they are soft, drizzle them with honey and top them with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a healthy dessert.

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